Obituary of Percy Gerald Joyce

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Percy Joyce who will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be lovingly remembered by his cherished wife of fifty-seven years, Rose and his beloved daughter, Darlene.

Born November 30,1941 to Mary and Percival Joyce, Percy was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Pat (late Edna), Greg (Fran), Bern (Janet), Rod, and Nicholas; and his sisters Marguerite (Peter Whelan), and Theresa. Percy will be missed by his dear sisters Madeline (Robert Rooksby), Veronica (Ray Hickey) and much- loved brothers Ed (Heather), Norbert (Judy), William (Linda) and Kevin.

Rose’s family, the Laceys, welcomed Perce into their family and they held a special place in his heart. Mother and father-in-law, Margaret and William Lacey (deceased); brothers Alex Lacey (Sheila),) Bill Lacey (Janet), Gerard Lacey (deceased, wife Rosalita); sisters Betty Hickey (Ron, deceased), Margaret Stead (Gerry, deceased).

Percy grew up on Conway Road, now known as Joyce Place, in Curling. The Joyce family was large and loving. Percy had wonderful memories of his childhood – boisterous card games at the dining room table, skating on lakes until laces were frozen, playing hockey and basketball, helping his parents with the challenges of raising a large family.

It was there Percy’s legendary work ethic was honed. Whether splitting wood to keep the Conway Road family home warm, digging a ditch through the bedrock at his Pinchgut Lake cabin or, in later years, tending his backyard vegetable garden and cleaning the snow off his neighbours’ vehicles in the very early hours of the morning, Percy was happiest when he was busy and useful.

Percy found joy in the simple things of life. Buddy and Charlie were faithful companions who brought him untold joy. Early mornings saw Percy and Charlie out for long walks, no matter what the weather. He was never happier than barbecuing on his back deck, all the better if it was for family or friends. He had a deep love for the outdoors and treasured every opportunity to hunt and fish with his friend. A natural handyman, Percy was always anxious to undertake a project or lend a helping hand. His sense of humour was well known — never mean-spirited, always rooted in a genuine desire to make people laugh. He was a man of deep faith and a valued contributor to his Holy Redeemer Parish.

Percy was fiercely loyal and committed to the people in his life. He had a gift for forging and sustaining relationships that were multi-generational - teammates from his baseball and softball days, ‘younger’ neighbors who became close buddies. And then there were those special friends, Kevin and Lorraine Burden, Eva McCarthy, Marg Renouf, Gary Peddle and Tony Bailey.

Family meant everything to Percy. Rose and Darlene were the center of his universe. He was a loving son, a loyal brother, and a steadfast presence in the lives of his many nieces and nephews. He was always there for the people he loved and in times of life’s challenges, Percy walked beside you. He loved, was loved and will be missed.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Chauk and the staff of the Stroke Unit, 5C, as well as Dr. Lafferty and the staff of Palliative Care for the compassionate care Percy received.

As expressions of sympathy, flowers are graciously accepted as well as donations to the SPCA. https://sites.google.com/view/nlwestspca/donate

Friends and family are invited to visit on Friday, January 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 at Fillatre’s Funeral Home in Curling. The funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Curling at 10:30 Saturday, January 24 with burial to follow at the Mount Patricia Cemetery.

For those unable to attend the Service will be livestreamed through Forget Me Not Ceremonies. Please register to watch the live stream  https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=e122aa32-10f2-4c12-ae61-36380229a9ae